A funding page has been set up to help the iconic Sandy Bell's folk bar in Edinburgh survive the Covid-19 crisis.
The world famous Forrest Road venue, which regularly hosts live music, is in need of cash to get through the coronavirus lockdown.
Owner Steven Hannah has had the pub for the last eight years and he says all eight staff members have been put on furlough, but with weekly rents of £1300 they still need to find money from somewhere. Rents have been deferred for three months, but will still need to be repaid after that.
He also told Edinburgh Live that the bar is in a particularly vulnerable position having lost tens of thousands of pounds to fraud a couple of years ago.
With the global pandemic throwing businesses into chaos everywhere, staff at Sandy Bell's have taken it upon themselves to raise cash to aid its survival, and ultimate recovery once lockdown is lifted.
Employee Sarah Emmerson set up a GoFundMe page bidding to raise an initial £1500.
The page states: "Sandy Bell's pub, or known historically as The Forrest Road Bar, is a world famous folk bar in Edinburgh city centre.
"People flock from thousands of miles every year to have a pint pulled, drink a dram and listen to its local musicians.
"Many a talented and famous musician has entered its doors.
"But it's not just a pub or an institution, it's a community for many locals and friends alike.
"Please don't let COVID-19 or the cancellation of this year's Fringe end the happiness.
"The boozer needs your help. So please, no matter how small, please donate. Think of all those pints and drams that you have been unable to drink. Let's put the money back in the bar before it's too late."
At time of writing around £250 had been raised. To contribute you can visit the Save Sandy Bell's Go Fund Me page by clicking here.
